Tamil Nadu, the Land of Tamils is one among the 29 states of the Republic of India. Located in the south most region of the Indian Peninsula, Tamil Nadu is regarded as the cradle of Dravidian culture. The southern state has been the home base of the Tamil masses since at least 1500 BC. Tamil Nadu is the seventh most thickly settled state and eleventh largest state (in terms of area) in India. The official language of Tamil Nadu is Tamil which is a classical language (Semmozhi). Tamil Nadu, literally the 'Tamil Country' is all about a great potpourri of age-old traditions, vibrant culture, illustrious religious sites, classical literature, luxuriant Dravidian architecture, lively festivals, remarkable cuisine, tremendous arts and crafts, enchanting landscapes and astonishing wildlife, prolific natural resources and so on. Being one of the most literate states in the country, Tamil Nadu is a rapidly thriving state across a broad spectrum of sectors and in social and cultural fronts as well.

History of Tamil NaduThe history of the southern state of Tamil Nadu dates back to the early Stone Age. The region of Tamil Nadu has been under continuous human habitation since prehistorical times (prehistoric era from 15,000 BCE to 10,000 BCE). The culture of the Tamilians is one of the oldest in the globe and has been coexisted and influenced by several other civilizations. Although early Sangam classics give a lot of historical acknowledgments, the recorded history of Tamil Nadu commences only from the Pallavas.

The southern parts of the country were reigned by the ancient Tamil dynasties of the Cheras, the Cholas and the Pandyas for centuries together. The Pallava dynasty, which existed between the 3rd and 9th centuries CE, sustained domination from about the second quarter of the 4th century A.D. As a matter of fact, the Pallavas were the masterminds of the illustrious Dravidian architectural style. During the reign of the last Pallava dynasty

Aparajitavarman, the later Cholas under Vijayalaya Chola and Aditya I affirmed themselves by about the 10th century.

Establishment of Bahmanid Empire

The end of the 11th century indicates that Tamil Nadu was dominated by a lot of dynasties like the Pandyas, Chalukyas and Cholas. The succeeding two centuries in the history of Tamil Nadu points that the imperial Cholas gained command over all of South India. By the middle of the 14th century, Islamic rulers beefed up their position step by step, which led to the formation of the the Bahmanid Empire also known as Bahmani Sutante or Bahmani Kingdom.

Rise and Fall of Vijayanagara Empire

On the other hand, the Vijayanagara Empire (aka Karnata Empire) rapidly integrated itself and widened its command across South India, and at the end of the century, the Vijayanagara Empire went on to become the sovereign force in South India. Nevertheless, the Vijayanagara Empire fell apart in the Battle of Talikota to the confederative powers of the Deccan Sultanates (five kingdoms of assorted ethnic background).

Arrival of Europeans

The following historical period witnessed a riotous situation as a consequence of the battle of Talikota. The following period mark the origination of European commercial interest that had came along as contenders in the region of South India. The Portuguese, the Dutch people, the French people and the British entered one after the other and constituted trading establishments called as factories (trading posts). The East India Company (EIC), which had founded its first trading settlement on the Bay of Bengal coast in Masulipatnam 1611, and slowly but steadily took over several dominions by promoting enmity amidst the local powers.

Madras Presidency to Tamil Nadu

The southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula, Tamil Nadu was one among the initial British colonization in the country. Before the Indian independence, Tamil Nadu was under British colonial order as an integral part of Madras Presidency (Presidency of Fort St. George), an important administrative branch of British India.

After Indian Independence, the Madras Presidency became the Madras Province on 15 August 1947. On 26 Jan 1950 it was constituted as Madras State by the Government of India. As an outcome of the States Reorganization Act, 1956, the state's boundaries were reorganized based on the linguistic lines. The state was finally renamed as Tamil Nadu on 14 January 1969.

Madras Presidency: Comprised of present-day Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep Islands, the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh, the Malabar region of North Kerala, Malkangiri, Ganjam, Koraput, Nabarangapur, Rayagada and Gajapati districts of southern Odisha and Dakshina Kannada, Bellary and Udupi districts of Karnataka.

Timeline History of Tamil Nadu

5, 00,000 BCE-3000 BCE - Paleolithic 2,500 BCE - Neolithic 350 BCE-200 CE - Sangam Age (Early Cholas, Pandyas and Cheras) 300 BCE-200 CE - Early Cholas 600 BCE-200 CE - Early Pandyas 300 BCE-250 CE - Early Cheras 250 CE-600 CE - Kalabhars Dynasty 570 CE-700 CE - Pallava Empire 560 CE-920 CE - Medieval Pandya Empire 845 CE-1280 CE - Medieval and Later Chola Empire 1150 CE-1345 CE - Later Pandya Empire 1336 CE-1646 CE - Vijayanagar Empire 1559 CE-1736 CE - Madurai Nayak Kingdom

1785 CE-1950 CE - Madras Presidency (Under British 1947) 1950 CE-1968 CE - Madras state (Republic of India) 1968 CE-Till Date - Tamil Nadu (Republic of India)

Also Read:

History of Chennai | History of Coimbatore | History of Madurai | History of Trichy | History of Salem |History of Vellore | History of Tirunelveli | History of Kanchipuram | History of Thanjavur

Geography of Tamil NaduTamil Nadu is the southern-most state of Republic of India. The southern state is the eleventh largest state in the country and covers a total area of 130,058 square kilometers. The glorious state of Tamil Nadu is nestled in the southern Indian peninsula, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and the deep-blue Indian Ocean. The southern state broadens from the Coromandel Coast in the east to the forested Western Ghats in the west.

Tamil Nadu -Quick Facts

Date of Formation: 18-07-1967Total Area: 1, 30,058 sq. kmArea under Forests: 25506.844 sq. kmCoastline: 910 kmLatitude: 8° 5'and 13° 35' NorthLongitude: 76° 15'and 80° 20' EastState Capital: ChennaiOfficial Language: TamilState Seal: Srivilliputhur Temple TowerState Animal: Nilgiri TahrState Bird: Emerald DoveState Flower: Gloriosa LilyState Tree: Palm TreeState Fruit: JackfruitState Song: Invocation to Tamil MotherState Sport: Kabaddi

State Dance: Bharata NatyamPopulation (2011 Census): 7,21,38,958    Population Density: 555 per sq. kmMale population: 3,61,58,871Female Population: 3,59,80,087Sex Ratio: 995 females per 1000 malesLiteracy Rate: 80.33%Average Rainfall: 945 mmRoad Length: 4861 km (National Highways), 56814.200 km (State Highways)Railway Route Length: 3880.90 kmTamil Nadu is bordered by the Bay of Bengal and the union territory of Puducherry to the east, Kerala to the west, Andhra Pradesh to the north and Karnataka to the North West. The south most point of the Indian Peninsula is situated in Tamil Nadu. At the precise south most point is Kanyakumari which is the confluence of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. As a matter of fact, the southern edge of India is the town of Kanyakumari.

Mountain Terrains of Tamil Nadu

The southern, north western and western regions of the southern state of Tamil Nadu are mountainous and productive in flora. As a matter of fact, Tamil Nadu is the only state in the country that has both the Eastern Ghat and Western Ghat ranges of mountains that both adjoin at the Nilgiri hills. The northerly divisions are a blend of mountains and open lands.

The central and the south-central areas of Tamil Nadu are plains that lack sufficient water or rainfall. The easterly regions of Tamil Nadu are rich coastal plains. The Western Ghats mountain ranges cover the full western borderline with the state of Kerala, efficaciously obstructing most of the rain delivering visible mass of water or ice particles suspended at a considerable altitude of the South West Monsoon from getting into the state.

Also Read:

Coimbatore Forest Division | Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Coastline of Tamil Nadu

The coastline of Tamil Nadu has a distance of about 1,076 km (700 mi) which represents about 15% of the total coastal length of the country and stretches along the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

In point of fact, Tamil Nadu's coastline is regarded as India’s second longest coastline. Sea ports, refineries, fishing harbors and a wide range of coastal manufactures like fertilizers, atomic and thermal power stations, and marine chemicals are located on the seacoast of Tamil Nadu. Chennai, the capital city and the renowned metropolis of South India, is a significant coastal city housing major ports and a lot of industries.

Furthermore, about 46 rivers drain into Bay of Bengal shaping a lot of estuaries abutting coastal lagunas. The Cauvery River and its affluent constitute a magnanimous delta backing voluminous agribusiness.

Ecologically Important Coastal Areas identified in Tamil Nadu Coast

District: Ramanathapuram aka RamnadSite: Gulf of Mannar (Islands between Rameswaram-Tuticorin)Ecological Important: Coral ReefArea: 63.226 km

District: NagapattinamSite: Vedaranniyam MuthupettaiEcological Important: MangrovesArea: 24.53 km

District: CuddaloreSite: PichavaramEcological Important: MangrovesArea: 10.61 km

District: ThiruvallurSite: Pulicat Lake

Ecological Important: LagoonArea: 252.04 km

Forests of Tamil Nadu

The southern state has a total area of 22,877 sq. km under forests that form 17.59% of the geographical region of the state as against 33.33% demanded under the National Forest Policy, 1988 by National Forest Policy by Ministry of Environment and Forest. The unevenness in climatic conditions, topographic features, water resources, soil types, elevation and biotic influences have led in establishment of a range of woodland communities, typically called as forest types.

Furthermore, forests in Tamil Nadu are managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department (vanathurai) with the common objectives of Augmentation of water resources in forest regions, reclamation and restoration of debased woodlands for betterment of forest cover, Biodiversity and genetic resource preservation by protection of woodlands and wildlife, Enhancing tree cover outside woodlands for livelihood protection and global climate change extenuation and upbeat of Tribal and forest outskirt villagers guarantee economical stability. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) is the chief of Tamil Nadu Forest Department.

Some of the important forest types in Tamil Nadu include Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests, Tropical Semi Evergreen Forests, Tropical Semi Evergreen Forests, and Swamp Forests, Littoral,  Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, Montane Wet Temperate Forests, Southern Sub Tropical Broad Leaved Hill Forests  Tropical Dry Evergreen Forests, Tropical Thorn Forests, Subtropical Broad Leaved Hill Forests and so on. Quick Facts:

Reserved Forest: 19,459 km2

Protected Forest: 2,152 km2

Unclassed Forest: 266 km2

Total: 2,877 km2Of State's Geographic Area: 17.59 %

Very Dense Forest: 2,948 km2

Moderately Dense Forest: 10,199 km2

Open Forest: 10,697 km2

Scrub Forest: 1,212 sq kmMangrove Forest: 39 sq kmTree Cover: 4,866 sq km

Rivers of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu being located along the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, the state has found a lot of important rivers streaming within its geographic limits. The water resources of Tamil Nadu are influenced by several notable rivers and their affluent dis-tributaries.

Coursing eastwards, most of the rivers in Tamil Nadu are entirely rain fed and springs up from the Western Ghats mountain ranges. Of the several rivers flowing through the southern state of Tamil Nadu, River Kaveri is regarded as the longest river flowing through the state with a length of 472.24 miles. River Kaveri is considered as one of the most sacred rivers in Tamil Nadu and popularly called as the 'Ganga of the South'. 

Important Perennial Rivers in Tamil Nadu

Vaigai RiverCheyyar RiverThamirabharani RiverBhavani RiverChittar RiverPonniyar River

Important Non-perennial Rivers in Tamil Nadu

Noyyal RiverVaipar RiverGundar RiverVellar RiverSuruli River

Climate of Tamil Nadu

The weather of the southern state of Tamil Nadu ranges from dry sub-humid to semi-arid. Furthermore, the state has been parted into seven agro-climatic zones and they are Kaveri Delta (the most productive agrarian geographical zone), North West, and southern, north east, and west, high altitude hilly and high rainfall. It is important to note that Tamil Nadu is primarily contingent on monsoon rainfalls.

Distinct Periods of Rainfall in Tamil Nadu

Dry season (from January to May)

South West monsoon (from June to September) with substantial southwestern currents of air

North East monsoon (from October to December), with dominant northeastern currents of air

The mean annual rainfall of Tamil Nadu is accounted as about 945 mm. Out of the 945 mm of annual rainfall, about 48% is contributed by the North East monsoon (October to December), and 32% by the South West monsoon (June to September). As Tamil Nadu is completely contingent on rainfalls for reloading its water bodies, monsoon failures leave the state to face severe water scarcity.

Quick Facts:

Hottest Period: April to JuneCoolest Period: November to FebruaryBest Time to Visit Tamil Nadu: October to MarchAverage Annual Rainfall: 945 mm

Economy of Tamil NaduTamil Nadu is a flourishing state in terms of economic system as the southern state is has the fourth-largest economy in the country, for the fiscal year of 2013-2014. Also, Tamil Nadu is regarded as the fourth most urbanized state succeeding Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh Service based industries add to 45% of the activities related to the economic system in the state, succeeded by manufacturing industries at 34% and agribusiness at 21%. Government is the primary investor in Tamil Nadu with 51% of overall investments, accompanied by private investors at 29.9% and foreign private investors at 14.9%.

GDP per capita (2010-11): $1,622 (sixth highest in India)Gross state domestic product (2011-2012): $145,868 millionGrowth percentage (2011-2102): 9.4%Estimated debt (2011): 20.39% of GDP

Present Economic Scenario of Tamil Nadu

During the fiscal year of 2013-14, Tamil Nadu is the fourth most prominent state in the country, and bestowed 8.1 per cent to India's GDP. GSDP or Gross state domestic product of the southern state maturated at a compound annual growth rate of 16.3 per cent between 2004-05 and 2013-14, achieving US$ 141.1 billion in 2013-14. Per capita Gross state

domestic product of US$ 2,059.3 (at current prices) is nearly 48.2 per cent higher than the national average of US$ 1,389.6.

An advantageously modernized infrastructure with seven airports, three major harbors, 23 minor harbors dotted across the state providing seamless connectivity choices are some of the key reasons behind the fact that Tamil Nadu is one among the preferred address for commercial enterprises.

Agriculture in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is long-familiar for its agribusiness from ancient times. What is more, agriculture continues to be the most predominant subscriber to Tamil Nadu's economic system. With over 70% of the population is involved in agribusiness, agriculture is one of the most significant lines of work of the state population.

Out of the total area of 50,216 sq mi, Tamil Nadu's gross inseminated field of around 57,52,664 hectares. The primary objectives of the Government of Tamil Nadu are to ensure the dimension of being solid and steady in agricultural production. Additionally, the Government of Tamil Nadu follows through agrarian policies to intensify the farming output to match with the demand of growing population.

The Government of Tamil Nadu along with the Government of India has brought in and followed through a lot of agrarian policies, development strategies and cutting-edge technologies to step-up the agrarian outputs. Some of the most significant policies, development strategies implemented include Soil health improvement through Bio-fertilizer including Green Manuring, Wasteland development programme, Intensive integrated agrarian system, Micro irrigation systems, Organic farming, Integrated pest management, Watershed development activities, Integrated nutrient management and so on. Quick Facts of Agriculture in Tamil Nadu

Kuruvai - Short term crop with duration of three and a half to four months from June to July to Oct - Nov

Samba - Grown in duration of almost 6 months from Aug to January

Thaladi - Grown in 5 to 6 months Oct - Nov to Feb - March

Paddy is the principal crop grown in three seasons that is to say, Kuruvai, Samba and Thaladi

The Cauvery delta region is known as the 'Rice Bowl of South India'

Tamil Nadu is the home to Dr M.S. Swaminathan, known as the "Father of the Green Revolution" in India

Tamil Nadu is one of the leaders in livestock, poultry and fisheries production

Tamil Nadu is a leading state in fish and fishery products export in the country

Tamil Nadu produces 10% of fruits and 6% of vegetables, in the total production of fruits and vegetables in India

Tamil Nadu is a leading state in the country in the production of flowers like Jasmine, Mullai, Rose, Marigold (Tagetes) and Chrysanthemum (mums or chrysanths)

Tamil Nadu is the second largest producer of Rice, Mango, Coconut, Groundnut and Natural Rubber

Tamil Nadu is the third largest producer of Sugarcane, Sapota (sapodilla), Coffee and Tea

Tamil Nadu is a leading state in the country in livestock, poultry and fisheries production

Tamil Nadu's Namakkal district is a leading base in the country in Egg production

Erode in Tamil Nadu is the world largest producer of turmeric

Agrarian Productions of Tamil Nadu

Cereals - Paddy, Cholam, Cumbu, Ragi, Maize and Small Millets

Pulses - Bengal gram, Red gram, Green gram, Black gram, Horse gram and other pulses

Oil Seeds - Groundnut, Gingelly, Coconut, Castor, Soya bean, and Sunflower

Other Crops- Cotton, Sugarcane, Tobacco, Cashew nut, Turmeric and Chillies

Fruits - Banana, Tapioca, Pine apple, Mango and so on

Vegetable - Potato, Tomato, Onion, Brinjal, Ladies Finger and so on

Industries in Tamil Nadu

Being one of the most industrialized states in India, Tamil Nadu is the home of a lot of reputed industries that include automobile industry, textile industry, Electronics manufacturing industry, leather and tannery facilities, tourism industry, and information technology industry and so on. Let's get a glance of economic marvels of Tamil Nadu across various industries.

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu and the fourth most prominent metropolis of India, is popularly called as the 'Detroit of India' for its innumerable automobile and automobile component manufacturers that include MRF, Ashok Leyland, BMW, Dunlop, Royal Enfield, Mitsubishi, Yamaha, Bridgestone, Daimler, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Hindustan Motors, Michelin, Apollo Tyres, Renault, TAFE Tractors and so on.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, often called as BHEL, one among the global electrical equipment company has its manufacturing units at Trichy and Ranipet in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers also called as TNPL, world's most magnanimous bagasse-based paper mills is located at Karur in Tamil Nadu

The southern state houses several cement manufacturing plants that include Ramco cements, ACC cement, UltraTech Cement (Aditya Birla Group), Dalmia Cements and so on

Fondly called as the 'Steel City', Salem in Tamil Nadu is the home of SAIL (Steel Authority of India), the largest integrated iron and steel producer in the country

The urban centers of Coimbatore, Tirupur, Karur, Gobichettipalayam, Perundurai are together called as the 'Textile Valley of India', as these cities are the home of more than 7,000 garment units who provide direct or indirect employment opportunity to over 1 million people

The southern metropolis Chennai as the urban centre is a popular hub of Electronics Manufacturing Services. Some of the popular Electronics Manufacturing Service

companies in Chennai include Dell, Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Siemens, Sony-Ericsson, Karbonn Mobiles, Texas Instruments, and Moser Bear and so on

Vellore in Tamil Nadu is the leading exporter of finished leather goods in India. Furthermore, Tamil Nadu answers for over 70% of leather tanning capacity in the country and 38%of leather footgear and parts

Chennai is the second largest software exporter in the country, next only to Bengaluru

Chennai is the home of India's largest information technology park and houses numerous well known giant companies like HCL, TCS, Infosys, Covansys, Verizon and so on

Infosys Technologies has set up India's largest software development centre to house 25,000 software professionals at an estimated investment of Rs.12, 500 million ($270 million) in Chennai

Kanchipuram and Arani (Kanchi and Aarani pattu) are world famous for their pure silk sarees (Jarigai and Pattu Pudavai) and handloom silk weaving industries.

Industrial Policies and Initiatives by Government of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited (TIDCO), Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation Limited (TANSIDCO), State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) and Tamil Nadu Industrial Investment Corporation Limited (TIIC) are collectively modernizing industrial infrastructure in Tamil Nadu. Besides, Tamil Nadu Industrial Guidance and Export Promotion Bureau has been established with the idea of drawing large scale investment propositions into the state.

A few of the important business policies and initiatives adopted by the Government of Tamil Nadu to elevate the state as an investment base include:

The Tamil Nadu government has newly brought out a dedicated policy for automobile industries functioning in the state to primarily concentrate on the possible developments, where the local administration receives a proportional reward

The government has also established an exclusive expert committee comprising of important voices from the information technology industry to draw more investments in hardware manufacturing

Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited has offered to establish a sector-specific 'special economic zone' for the engineering sphere on about 113.31 hectares of land, at an approximated price of around US$ 219.0 million (phase-1)

The Government of Tamil Nadu has established industrial areas and treatment units for the leather cluster

Quick Facts:

Key Industries of Tamil Nadu: Automobile and auto components, tourism, engineering, information technology and information technology enabled services, heavy commercial vehicles, pharmaceuticals, electronics, cements and so on

Minister of Industries Department of Tamil NaduShri P.ThangamaniPortfolio: Industries, Steel Control, Mines and Minerals, and Special Initiatives Contact Number: 044-25670203, Extn-5945

Industries Department SecretariatChennai - 600009 PBX No: 044-25665566Email: indsec@tn.gov.in

Culture of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu one of the most urbanized states of India has an established caste system. The people of Tamil Nadu are deeply god fearing people and are strict with their beliefs in rituals and practises. Almost 80% of the people of Tamil Nadu are Hindus and the rest are mostly Christians with a very small population being Muslims. Lord Muruga is the main deity of Tamil culture and the original six abodes of Lord Muruga are present in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu is a storehouse of rich cultural treasures. Tamil is one of the richest languages of India which has a long literary tradition. The earliest literature dates back to two million years ago when the the works of Thiruvalluvar were written. The Sangam age is considered

the golden age of Tamil Literature and Thiruvalluvar's Thirukkural is still considered the greatest literary work.

Music and Dance too play and important role in the culture of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the greatest propagators of Carnatic music and Bharatnatyam. Dance Festival in Mamallapuram, Natyanjali Dance Festival in Chidambaram are important dance festivals of Tamil Nadu.

The most important festival of Tamil Nadu is Pongal also known as Tamilar Thirunal in January celebrating fresh harvest. Another most important festival is Navarathri or the festival of nine nights where the first three days are devoted to Goddess Durga, the next three days to Goddess Lakshmi and last three days to Goddess Saraswati or Goddess of Learning. One of the most ancient festivals in Tamil Nadu is Karthigai Deepam or festival of Lights which has reference to Sangam Literature.

Tamil Nadu is also known for its cuisine. The variety that it offers for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians is unmatched. The distinct spices used in the food makes it different from rest of India. Traditional Tamil food which is served on a banana leaf includes poli, rice, poori, rasam pongal, appams, vadai, and payasam.

Society in Tamil NaduNon Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Non Profit Organizations (NPOs) and Voluntary Organizations (VOs) in Tamil Nadu are an integral part of social welfare and development of the local population. Non Governmental Organizations in the state are operating for noble social causes like conducting social welfare programmes, rural welfare programmes, and social development activities and so on. Besides, Non Governmental Organizations in Tamil Nadu take part in a lot of social development and charitable programmes organized by government departments and agencies.

Non Governmental Organizations in Tamil Nadu work for a wide range of social causes which include child welfare, child education, agriculture development, natural resource management, women empowerment, upliftment of slum children and women, disaster management, distress relief, animal welfare, creating social awareness programmes like rain water harvesting and so on, old age homes, programmes for welfare of mentally and physically challenged people, social justice, betterment of backward and disadvantaged

communities and so on.